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The Euro 2012 winner has long been linked with a move to Turin after declaring he would not be renewing his contract with Marcelo Bielsa's men, with the Basque side having given Juventus permission to offer their 27-year-old striker a deal.

"We are always looking to the future and monitoring players, which includes Llorente, who is out of contract," Marotta told assembled reporters.

"We are at an advanced stage."

Highly-rated Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal has also been the subject of purported interest from Germany and Spain recently, although the director was quick to rule out rumours of a sale.

"It’s no surprise that Bayern want Vidal, but there have been no offers. We are, in any case, more accustomed to buying than selling,” he concluded.